Liu Yong Collection

Author: Liu Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Liu Yong (c. 971–1053), styled Qiqing, originally named Sanbian, styled Jingzhuang, ranked seventh, also known as Liu Qi, was from Chong'an (now Chong'an County, Fujian). A famous lyric poet of the Northern Song Dynasty. Born into a Confucian official family, he was the youngest son of Liu Yi, the Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, and passed the imperial examination in Jingyou. He rose to the position of Assistant Director of the Bureau, hence also known as Liu Tuntian. Liu Yong was unrestrained in character and faced a turbulent career. When recommended to Emperor Renzong, he received only four words in return: "Go and write lyrics." With no prospects in his official career, he claimed the title "Imperially Commissioned Lyric Poet, Liu Sanbian," and spent his life indulging in singing and dancing halls, music, and poetry, eventually dying in obscurity and being buried by courtesans. His political frustrations, unique life experiences, and profound knowledge of music made this "lyric poet of shallow sips and low songs" and "man of bold daring and unrestrained passion" a dedicated lyricist. Due to his wide exposure to social life, especially urban life, courtesans, and the common people, the prosperity of urban life, the joys and sorrows, desires, and romantic relationships of courtesans, his own frustrations and indulgences, feelings of parting, and the emotions of travel and separation—all became important themes in his lyrics. Additionally, he wrote some works reflecting the hardships of laborers, odes to objects, historical odes, and immortal-themed poems, greatly expanding the subject matter of lyrics. He embraced the influence of folk music and lyrics, producing a large number of slow songs, which matured the form and gave it equal status with quatrains. In terms of expression, he excelled in freehand description, detailed narration, skillful embellishment that blended scenery and emotion, and strong lyrical color. His language was simple and natural, unafraid of colloquialism, giving his lyrics a unique style that spread widely. Liu Yong's innovations in both the content and techniques of lyrics marked a significant change in the development of Song Dynasty poetry and had a profound impact. His lyrics were melodious, easy to understand, and masterful in blending scenery and emotion. Ye Mengde wrote in Record of Summer Heat: "Wherever there is a well, his lyrics can be heard," showing their immense popularity. Ji Yun in General Catalogue of the Four Treasuries highly praised him: "Poetry should be learned from Du Fu, and lyrics from Liu Yong." He authored Yue Zhang Ji, with famous lyrics including Yulin Ling, Feng Qi Wu, Ba Sheng Gan Zhou, and Wang Hai Chao. His life is recorded in Record of Lyric Poets by Zhang Zongzhu and Collected Anecdotes of Song People by Ding Chuanjing. This book is based on Yue Zhang Ji: Annotations by Xue Ruisheng, with references to Complete Lyrics of the Song Dynasty and Qiangcun Series, selecting one poem and 115 lyrics, accompanied by annotations and critiques. Appendices include a brief chronology of Liu Yong's life, major editions of his works, key studies on him, and famous quotes from his lyrics, all for the convenience of readers.